It was the night before take off and all through the house....

Not a creature was stirring, ok well maybe I was that creature stirring if by stirring you mean packing and repacking and weighing my suitcase!  It seems as though when you decide to move abroad for awhile there are something's that just are not too accommodating, like having one 50lb bag per person.  So yes, I now have my whole existence in one tiny bag and for my carry on I have opted for taking my favorite "safety blanket," my cat Ruckus.

I guess what really matters is that I am with Alex and I do get to take my furry friend and that we will be together in this new place.  It will be an adventure for sure, but I can't help but feel nervous for what is to come and excited for all the opportunities to experience new things.

Our last dinner in the old USA was spent with our dear friends at UMI Japanese Restaurant.  Satoko and her family were very sweet in insisting to make our favorite sushi.  We will miss this family and their generous spirit.  We promised them that upon return we will eat dinner at their restaurant.

Last night we had an amazing going away get together with those who could make the trek to Hickory.  For those of you who could not make it or live far away, you were here in spirit and you will be missed as well!   I was a little emotional with the good byes, but I know we will see everyone sooner than my heart feels (and for many of you it will be much sooner as you have shared your plans to visit Nice this or next year!).

For the last month we have been house hopping.  We lived with my brother in law, Fitz, and his girlfriend Kayla (and their 3 cats) for 2 weeks and enjoyed going to hot yoga, wine and design class, and hanging out with their friends.  We will miss them very much.

The last 2 weeks were spent at my father and mother in law's home in Connelly Springs where we were able to spend quality time with them.  We became frequent visitors of the pond (AKA: the redneck swimming pool) and enjoyed some stand up paddleboarding, hiking, and taking walks.  My second day at the house we went hiking up Baker's Mt and I got bit by 17 chiggers from sitting on a stump in the woods.  The bites are just now starting to fade, but I will always remember to never ever sit in nature!! 

We had a blast with our best friends Krissy and Nick Linderman at the Electric Run and when Krissy and I went to I Love Lucy live on stage!  The old fashioned Brillcreme, alka seltzer, and Chevy commercials really get stuck in your head! Best night out with my best friend ever!

Last Saturday Alex and I also participated as models for a local salon in the "Be Kind Rewind fashion show of 1920-2020."  We had a blast and all the proceeds went to the Dove House which benefits children who have been sexually abused.  Alex was in a fedora and pin stripe suit and I dawned a black flapper dress and up do!  

I better get to sleep, we have a very long day tomorrow.  We take off at 5pm from CLT and will have a layover in Munich, Germany for 2 hours before we reach Nice, France at noon(local Nice time) on Wednesday.  For those of you on the East coast, Nice is 6 hours ahead of you.  For the West coast, Nice is 9 hours ahead.  The next blog I will post will be Wednesday night after our first day, so stay tuned!! Au revoir!

(Picture below was taken at Fitz's house; from far left: Nietzsche, Grendel, Nic, Joni Ringo, Ruckus)